Yet another new car choice thread

[dotcom173]

Originally posted by: MiataNC

Originally posted by: zerocool84
...RX-8 is a car to get for looks. You can get a car that handles better, is faster, and gets better MPG for less money but it sure does look good....

You will be hard pressed to find a car that handles better than the RX-8 off the show room floor at the @34K price point. It dominates in autocross (stock) and is THE car to beat.

Yes there are faster cars out there, but unless you are a street racing idiot, the RX-8 is plenty fast. As a total package it consistently rates higher than "faster" cars when reviewed by professional drivers and publications.

You are 100% correct about the MPG. I average about 13mpg flogging mine in the city. But I don't mind, because I knew that was the price of admission with a rotary engine.

i got one for ya: evo....or sti. i guess thats two. faster, better handler im sure, and better mpg.

 

[Baked]

Lotus Exige S.

 

[MiataNC]

Originally posted by: dotcom173
i got one for ya: evo....or sti. i guess thats two. faster, better handler im sure, and better mpg.

You won't find either car for less than @38K new. Loaded RX-8s top out at $33K and sell for closer to $28K

Both the EVO and the STI have very cheap interiors compared to the RX-8. I have sat in and driven both, and neither is able to escape the "econo-box" feel of the plastic and components. The same goes for the MazdaSpeed3 which is also faster and gets better gas mileage than the RX-8 and only costs @$25k.

Handling is no contest. the STI and EVO are brutal on the street. They are wicked fast for what they are, but you will never see anyone describe them as "refined", "balanced", or "telepathic". They are a handful at the limits of traction and control, and there is very little feedback just before you lose them at the limits of traction. The RX-8 by contrast is ridiculously easy to drive and steer beyond the limits of traction.

I am not knocking either the EVO or the STI. They are both fantastics cars, but they simply are not in the same class as the RX-8 (or 350Z, Mustang GT, Audi TT, G35 etc.) In some categories they are better, and in some they are worse.

 

[jjanders]

Thanks for the responses. The 2009 WRX is my top choice at the moment, anyone have any idea when it's supposed to start showing up? Even then I'm sure it will be hard to get for a month or two and I'll be paying MSRP, but we'll see.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Why hasn't this been said yet? 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO. Doesn't handle great out of the box, but hands down the most power for the money. Easily had in your price range.

The 2009 WRX is nice. You might consider a Legacy GT if you want something less boy racer with more luxury features (leather, heated seats, etc).

Stay away from VW, unless you want to become intimate with your dealer.

 

[dotcom173]

Originally posted by: MiataNC

Originally posted by: dotcom173
i got one for ya: evo....or sti. i guess thats two. faster, better handler im sure, and better mpg.

You won't find either car for less than @38K new. Loaded RX-8s top out at $33K and sell for closer to $28K

ill agree that the interior is shabby on the evo and sti, however, you can get them for much less than 38k.

maybe its a coincidence, but i was at Irvine Subaru yesterday because my friend needed a new key made (someone stole his backpack at the beach). of course since i lub me some Sti, i took a look at the sti's they had. some were like 39k, but some were in the high 34k's....so i guess thats still not cheaper than an rx-8, but i dont see many people buying many rx-8's these days, i think they lost their spunk.


EDIT: 2009 WRX FTW!

 

[dotcom173]

Originally posted by: jjanders
Thanks for the responses. The 2009 WRX is my top choice at the moment, anyone have any idea when it's supposed to start showing up? Even then I'm sure it will be hard to get for a month or two and I'll be paying MSRP, but we'll see.

im sure you'll start seeing them on subaru's website within the next month or so. im going to guess you can pick one up by the end of september to mid october. most new cars come out around septemberish of the previous year, from what i recall.

 

[LS21]

mint S2000 would be most fun out and reliable otu of yoru list...but perhaps not the best for Snow/connecticut

 

[thomsbrain]

Having driven the previous WRX (supposedly more fun than the current model) and the current Civic Si, I'd say they were very comparable in terms of fun. I highly suggest you drive the Si before you cross it off your list. The WRX was more relaxed feeling due to the easier torque, but it runs of out steam pretty early in the rev range, and it's really not any faster than the Civic Si when you are comparing the two cars both running in their power band. The Si feels a lot lighter and more agile, though this is just a perception. Anyway, it's also a reliable car with a very high resale value and certainly deserved to be on your short-list over the GTI.

 

[450]

I think you should get an Audi A3 (3.2 if possible) or used Volkswagen R32. I love the sound of that engine! Plus AWD is nice, interior is fantastic, and is quick too!

Also, VW/Audi is much, much better since the days of mkIII and mkIV. The mkV series of cars are much more reliable.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: 450
I think you should get an Audi A3 (3.2 if possible) or used Volkswagen R32. I love the sound of that engine! Plus AWD is nice, interior is fantastic, and is quick too!

Also, VW/Audi is much, much better since the days of mkIII and mkIV. The mkV series of cars are much more reliable.

R32 is more expensive and slower than these in the same year. The interior is nice though.

 

[450]

I know the R32 isn't super fast but the luxury of the interior and the overall feel of the car make up for it.